Jail Classification

Policy: The Pierce County jail staff will implement and maintain the inmate classification plan to ensure that inmates are classified in a fair and consistent manner according to their individual custodial management and program needs.

The purpose of classification is to provide fair and consistent guidelines in determining inmate assignments, whether they are pre-arraignment or post arraignment to housing areas, security levels, treatment and program services.

The process is also to provide the safety and security of the inmates and the staff.

The Classification staff performs the following functions:
- Assign inmates to security/custody categories
- Hold classification reviews to ensure the inmate's appropriate classification and treatment considerations
- Make housing assignments.

This process assists Booking Officers to make decisions at the time of booking regarding initial custodial management and treatment needs of inmates.

Inmate classification is intended to aid in the temporary cell assignment upon booking at the intake/pre-bond stage. In a direct interview with the inmate, the Officer considers the following in determining appropriate short-term housing placement: current charges, legal status, current physical/mental and medical condition, and predatory risk.

Initial classification occurs within the first six hours of booking. Inmates are moved from a temporary holding area within 72 hours of booking.

Classification Custody Levels:
The inmate's assigned institutional custody designation within the assigned security level, consists of one of the following:

Level 1 high

Level 2 close custody

Level 3 high medium

Level 4 medium

Level 5 medium pre-sentence

Level 6 minimum

Level 7 low minimum

Level 8 very low minimum

Classification Categories:
In accordance with the jail classification plan, inmates of Pierce County Jail will be assigned by the Classification Officer(s) or the jail Classification Committee to one of the following classification categories:

Maximum Security Classification

Medium Security Classification

Minimum Security Classification

Inmates Classification Review:
All inmates in the Pierce County Jail have the opportunity to request a review of their classification assignment within 10 days of the original primary classification decision. A periodic classification review process is established and maintained.